39th Annual Governor's Holocaust Commemoration

Photos courtesy of the Office of the Governor of the State of Ohio and Ohio Jewish Communities

On May 9, 2019 Governor DeWine hosted his first Holocaust Commemoration.  It was a meaningful program, with powerful testimonies by survivor Dr. Felix Garfunkel, liberator Don Jakeway, and Governor DeWine himself, who related his father’s first hand account of arriving at Dachau soon after it was liberated by the Allies.  

Veterans Services Director Ashenhurst ably served as MC, the National Guard Adjutant, General Harris, introduced Mr. Jakeway, Ohio Department of Health Director Acton introduced the Governor, and Jewish community leader and former DSA Director David Goodman introduced Dr. Garfunkel.  

Senate President Obhof, Speaker Larry Householder (through an aide, due to the House budget vote happening at that exact time) and Rep. Stephanie Howse each offered resolutions.  Both Rep. David Leland and Rep. Dave Greenspan lit candles of remembrance, and the powerful benediction was offered by Dayton JCRC Director Rabbi Ari Ballaban.  Community leaders, survivors, veterans, rabbis, and agency heads were in attendance.